The Los Angeles Dodgers were able to take a commanding 2-0 lead over the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series by hanging on for a 6-5 victory at Globe Life Field on Wednesday night.
The win improved the Dodgers to 4-0 in the postseason and they are now just one victory away from advancing to the NL Championship Series for a fourth time in the last five years. Despite their undefeated record, not everything has been smooth sailing for the Dodgers, particularly at the back end of their bullpen.
Kenley Jansen had another subpar appearance, entering in the ninth inning with a 6-3 lead to work with. He wasn’t able to shut the door on the Padres, giving up three hits and two runs before being replaced by Joe Kelly to get the final out.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has remained consistent about Jansen being his closer all season long despite the struggles he has worked through but it appears a change could be on the horizon.
“I’m going to keep thinking through it. I thought there were some good throws in there. There was a dropped third strike with Grisham, and he ended up getting a base hit. I’m going to think through it,” Roberts answered when asked about Jansen’s status.
“It was just a lot for him; 30 pitches to get two outs. I know that he’s disappointed as well. I’ll keep thinking through it. … My love and respect for him certainly hasn’t changed, and he feels terrible.
“He wants to be the guy and he’s proven it time and time again. But I know he’s thrilled we won a big ballgame. That was kind of it.”
Options for closer role
If Roberts does make a change in the ninth inning, the Dodgers certainly have qualified arms for the closer role.
Blake Treinen and Brusdar Graterol are immediate names that come to mind, and the same can be said for Jake McGee and Victor Gonzalez, if L.A. prefers to go with a lefty.
The Dodgers have made most of their bullpen decisions outside of the ninth inning based on matchups this season, so that will likely extend to closing out games moving forward even if Jansen continues to be involved in that mix.
Considering Jansen was unable to complete a save with a three-run lead against the bottom of the Padres order, it’s hard to imagine him having success as the closer moving forward. His decrease in velocity is probably the biggest concern, which will be something to continue to monitor moving forward.
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